Parkes Headquarters Rural Fire Brigade appoints its first female captain
Published Date: 25 Jun 2018
Summary
The Parkes Headquarters Rural Fire Brigade has made history by appointing their very first female captain, Victoria Williams.
Victoria also becomes only the second female Rural Fire Service (RFS) captain in the Parkes district.
Her appointment follows the brigade’s AGM, replacing Scott Baker who has led the brigade through a period of sustained growth over the past decade.
Victoria Williams is the Parkes Headquarters Rural Fire Brigade's new captain, replacing Scott Baker who led the brigade over the past decade.
Victoria joined the NSW RFS in 2011 after her children joined the RFS as cadets.
She has held the positions of Deputy Captain, Brigade Youth Officer and secretary, as well as assisting Group Captain Terry Job with the Parkes High School RFS Cadets for a number of years.
“I’m excited for the challenge,” Victoria said.
She admitted captaincy wasn’t an inspiration for her in the beginning but said she was a strong supporter of women in the RFS and how it was good for them to be involved.
“It’s a step forward for what I’d like to achieve,” Victoria said.
The Mid Lachlan Valley Team – the zone which encompasses Parkes, Forbes, Lachlan and Weddin districts – is thrilled Victoria’s election reflects the increasing female membership of the RFS.
The Parkes Headquarters Brigade has more than 40 members, with close to half of them female and includes five junior members.
Scott won’t be disappearing from the scene – he remains a Deputy Group Captain for the district and is now the brigade’s Deputy Captain.
He has developed good working relationships within the emergency services of the area and represents the NSW RFS at the Parkes Local Emergency Management Committee meetings.
“After being in it for 10 years, things were becoming stale and we needed new blood to lead the brigade,” Scott said.
“Victoria may have some new ideas and different paths she wants to go down with the brigade.”
The Parkes Headquarters Brigade is an extremely busy brigade, being called upon to attend numerous incidents each year including grass and bush fires, building fires, motor vehicle accidents, as well as supporting other emergency services and community organisations whenever they are needed.
They also assist with the Red Shield Appeal, the Parkes Elvis Festival, organise the popular Christmas Santa Run and assist with the demolition derby at the Parkes Show.
Their catering unit is just as busy, catering for a number of events such as the Parkes Picnic Races.
It’s looking like exciting times ahead for the busy brigade, with planning now underway for their new fire station in Parkes and new training facilities in Forbes.
